Tommy John for Outman, Buck not in lineup

Josh Outman had Tommy John (elbow ligament replacement) surgery on Tuesday and he also had a bone spur removed from his left elbow. He’ll be out 12-18 months; based on Outman’s MRIs last week, this was the outcome the team was expecting, though the A’s had not announced that. Dr. James Andrews did the surgery in Birmingham, Ala.

Travis Buck was rushed up yesterday (or not, depending on how you look at it, considering how late in the day the move came) but he’s not in there tonight. Tomorrow, manager Bob Geren said. Geren said Buck would have been in except Nomar Garciaparra was available to Dh tonight. That means Jack Cust is back in right. Debate amongst yourselves. It’s a little hard to figure from here. Hot bat brought up to….sit. Well, Buck is getting used to erratic playing time.

Justin Duchscherer has been cleared to resume a throwing program, which he did today, throwing long toss at a distance of 50 feet, according to Geren. He won’t be throwing in a minor-league game until late July at the earliest; I’m told the A’s still do not know whether he’ll be working in relief or as a starter when he returns. Relief has been considered at several points this year, because there is thought in the organization that he’ll stay healthier there. Also, the A’s want to keep their young starters in the rotation. Considering his rehab has been interrupted twice already, it’s kind of a moot point, but relief seems like the most likely scenario unless Gio Gonzalez can’t hang onto that last spot in the rotation. Even then, the A’s might want go young, considering Duchscherer’s injury history and the fact that he’s a free agent next year and is not expected back.